Process Comparison

 
  Stereolithography Selective Laser Sintering Vacuum Casting CNC Machining RIM
Description
  1.  Excellent for fit and form testing.
  2. Ideal for trade show- quality parts via painting and texturing.
  3. Best process for water resistant materials
  1. Ideal for durable functional parts with a variety of applications.
  2.  Capable of producing snap fits and living hinges.
  3. Heat and chemically resistant
  1.  Ideal for <100 marketing samples.
  2. Production-like attributes (surface finish, colour accuracy and material properties)
  1. Wide selection of production plastics and metals.
  2.  Functional models and parts.
  1. Multiple prototype and production parts.
  2. Simulates end use production materials.
Max Part Size  750 x 650 x 600mm 340 x 340 x 620mm  1500 x 700 x 500mm   1000 x 600 x 600mm   1500 x 700 x 500mm 
Surface Finish
  1.  Standard (finish external surfaces to smooth)
  2. Additional (gloss, water-clear  spark,  matt…)
  1.  Standard finish (rougher than SLA due to material powder base)
  2. Additional (contact sales team)
  1. Standard (finish to smooth)
  2. Additional (gloss, spark, colour tint, matt…)
 All production grades. All production grades.
 Material Strength
Preferred Min. Feature/Wall Thickness
  • Std: 0.5mm
  • Hi-Res: 0.25mm
 0.8mm 0.5mm 0.5mm  0.5mm 
Temperature
  • Std: 60°C
  • Filled :250°
 150°C Max 180°C
(post cured resin) 		  Material choice dependent  Material choice dependent
 Lead Times  2-5 days  2-5 days   5-8 days 1-4 weeks  8-10 days
 Price  ££ £  £££  ££  £££